February 2026 eNews – Small Improvements Can Create an Outsized Impact on Child Care Facilities; Child Care Capital Access Series Explains LISC’s Loan Opportunities for Providers

Many of us do not think about the parts of buildings that keep us safe and comfortable—like electricity, roofing, brickwork, temperature control, and plumbing—until something breaks or isn’t working properly. Functional utilities and well-maintained structures are important to health, safety, and comfort, and they are particularly important at child care facilities to keep children safe. Maintenance and upgrades can be prohibitively expensive for child care providers who already operate on thin margins, but fundraising can be difficult for these less-visible projects.  

As facility experts, the RICCELFF team recognizes how essential these projects are to the wellbeing of children and providers in our community. Managed by LISC in partnership with DHS, the ECCE Capital Fund supported several projects that improved the quality of spaces in ways that may seem small, but have had an outsized impact. The RICCELFF team typically provides resources to providers, but this article provides real-life examples to inspire future projects and show the difference that these improvements can make.